In response to COVID-19, the 10 Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) have collaborated to produce a series of evidence-based resources and information about teaching and learning in a remote environment, as well as other considerations brought by the pandemic. The site has a page specifically designated for English learners where visitors can learn more about a variety of topics including how to promote interactive read-alouds, increase digital engagement, and connect with families.
- About Us
- Contact Us
NEW: Ensuring Continuity of Learning and Operations
Resources to Share
These resources have been identified and selected for the purpose of helping multilingual families understand how to keep their children safe during school closures, and to help continue the education of English learners during such events..
International Consortium for Multilingual Education and Equity Curriculum Enhancement Packets
Language(s):
The International Consortium for Multilingual Education and Equity (ICMEE) has developed over 120 activity packets across disciplines, ranging from Levels 1-3 of English proficiency, and grades K-12. The learning packets are designed to support the learning and development of multilingual students in addition to or as technology-free learning resources. They can be used in the classroom or to enhance learning at home, demonstrate growth, and to support flexible learning needs during the current pandemic and beyond. The packets include guidance to caregivers and educators in English and Spanish and they include basic student instructions for completing the packets in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Vietnamese.The breakdown of packets is as follows:
- English Level 1 – Entry into English
- English Level 1-2 – Entry into English/Building Background. These packets are appropriate for students between Levels 1 and 2 of English proficiency
- English Level 2 – Building Background
- English Level 3 – Interdisciplinary Inquiry
TED ED
Language(s):
This multimodal platform contains a variety of videos on topics related to social studies, science, health, civics, economics, psychology, and more. Each video includes comprehension questions, questions to prompt higher-order thinking and discussion, and links that allow learners to explore more about the topic on their own. The videos are brief which means that learners can easily watch them more than once to ensure comprehension. While the videos are in English, most are accompanied by a transcript which is a helpful scaffold for English learners. In addition to the videos for learners, TED ED also allows caregivers and educators to customize TED ED lessons for their students. Though the site has videos appropriate for K-12 learners, much of the content is aimed at learners third grade and higher.
Engaging Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Students & Families: Social Emotion Wellness in the Home
Language(s):
English Proficiency Level:
This webinar from the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) shares resources and activities that promote social-emotional wellness for students, their families, and communities. The webinar is presented by Jennifer Escue (Refugee Youth & Elders Services Supervisor at Catholic Charities of Tennessee) and Alice Prichard, Ph.D. (clinical psychologist). The presenters describe the impact of toxic stress on children, the importance of supporting social-emotional wellness, the domains of social-emotional wellness, and simple, at-home activities to support social-emotional wellbeing.
Tumble Book Library
Tumble Book Library offers a digital library of animated talking picture books. Books are searchable by title, author, subject, language (English, Spanish, and French books are available), length, genre, Lexile, and Accelerated Reader level. Some books include videos, lesson plans, and book report options. Tumble Book Library also includes puzzles and games.
Reading Tip Sheets for Parents
Language(s):
These Reading Tip Sheets, developed by Colorín Colorado, provide ideas for parents to help children become successful readers. The tips are available for parents of babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergartners, first graders, second graders, and third graders. Tip sheets are available in 13 languages, including Diné (Navajo).
Learning English
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) developed Learning English with free audio, video, and text materials for adults learning English. It is also appropriate for secondary students. Materials are available as full courses by proficiency level and course components can also be completed as standalone activities. Learning English is also available in Mandarin. The website also features a Stories for Children page that was developed to help children learn English alongside their parents. Each animated short story provides a transcript and activities, both of which can be downloaded.
Helping Children Cope with Changes Resulting from COVID-19
This article, from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), is a guide for parents. The guide provides tips for supporting children during periods of uncertainty, including specific guidance for different age levels. It is also available in Spanish. This guide has been updated from the original document, Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Guide, which is also available in Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, Korean, French, Vietnamese, Bahasa, Urdu, and Hmong.
National PTA: Tackling COVID-19 Together
The National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has created a page for parents and educators with resources for meeting educational and socio-emotional needs of students, families, and educators. The site includes the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Education. The resources for families include podcasts for parents with topics such as tackling anxiety and knowing the rights of bilingual students, and resources for social and emotional support, learning at home, and healthy habits. The Frequently Asked Questions section includes information on Internet access, access to free meals, and how to support student learning at home. The site is available in English and Spanish.
Learning Heroes
The Learning Heroes’ site offers resources for parents to support their child’s social, emotional, and academic development. They have created a Keep Calm, Learning is On! roadmap for parents during school closures. The roadmap includes five ways to keep students on track when school is closed and is available in English and Spanish. The Learning Tools page provides information and resources to help parents support students at home. The site is searchable by grade level (K–12) and subject (reading, math, and life skills) and resources are available in English and Spanish.